Aumua Wants to Make Sure Funds are Ready Following a Disaster
Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, who serves as Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Health & Technology took part in a House Committee on Small Business oversight hearing in Washington last week to examine the SBA's, Disaster Loan Program. The focus of the hearing was to examine the challenges faced by the SBA in response to "Superstorm" Sandy, including a discussion of a report that stated the SBA was not prepared to cope with the aftermath of the disaster despite changes made by Congress to improve the program.
Congresswoman Aumua Amata and House Small Business Committee Chairman Steve Chabot
"I am pleased that the committee has decided to hold this hearing, to discuss the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Disaster Loan Program," said Amata. Considering the geographic vulnerability of the district I represent and its isolation, this program is essential to the rehabilitation of our communities and small businesses in times of natural disasters," continued Amata.
Prior to the hearing, Jacinta Brown, who serves as the Deputy Director of the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS), discussed the issue with the Congresswoman in order to express her frustration with the lack of data available on the program for American Samoa. During the discussion, Ms. Brown also noted that the administration needs to lessen the burden imposed on local residents by SBA requirements for loan eligibility.
"Because it is not a matter of if, but when the next disaster will strike, it is imperative that SBA examine their processes in managing the program. It is too late to fix the issues after a disaster has struck. We must ensure now, that those funds are readily available to those who qualify, following a disaster," stated Amata. "We must also increase the collection of and access to data on this program in respect to the territories. Without this information, we are left blind to the areas of real need for reform, so that we can better serve the people that this program is designed to assist," concluded Amata.
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